SUNSHINE AND ROMANCE
With golden beaches and a laidback vibe, Noosa on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is a favourite for family holidays — but not everyone arrives with a bucket and spade, writes Tiana Templeman
Couples have discovered this beautiful destination is ideal for a delicious romantic escape. Think happening bars, sophisticated dining, sublime spas and sunset strolls. Noosa is beautiful one day and perfect the next when you visit with someone special.
Drinking AROMAS NOOSA
Wicker chairs face outwards in classic European style at Aromas Noosa where breakfast featuring produce from the Noosa Hinterland, accompanied by the papers and a leisurely coffee, is not to be missed. In the afternoon, people drop in for a glass of wine and watch the parade of window shoppers browsing the art galleries, gift shops and boutiques along Hastings St.
TELEPHONE CALL FROM
Slip down Arcadia Walk and raise your glass to The Junction, as the eclectic collection of bars and restaurants around Noosa Junction is known. Grab a seat on a comfy couch and rub shoulders with the locals at Eddie Cheeba’s, drop into the funky beer garden at Village Bicycle for a brew or check out the intriguingly named Telephone Call From, a tiny hole-in-the-wall bar that serves great cocktails and a rotating selection of eats from around the globe. One week you might receive a Telephone Call From Africa, the next it’s a Telephone Call From Bangkok.
NOOSA BEACH HOUSE
Party people will enjoy the lively atmosphere of the bar at Noosa Beach House. Early afternoons tend to be laid back with the action really kicking off around 4pm. Windows let in the breeze and locals frequently wave to friends passing by, urging them to come in “for a quick drink”, which is usually anything but. Locallyinspired bar snacks such as poached Mooloolaba prawns and snapper ceviche make it tempting to stay all night.
SEASON RESTAURANT
Season is just a few steps away from Noosa’s famous beach. Grab one of the high tables outside, order a refreshing cocktail and watch suntanned beachgoers wander along the Noosa boardwalk. If there are no seats available outdoors or at the bar inside, it’s worth asking if you can sit at one of the restaurant’s prime front tables. Even if these have reserved signs, you can often “borrow” one to enjoy a drink and watch the sun go down before the dinner crowd arrives.
Dining BISTRO C
Although this beachfront restaurant is open all day, it’s hard to go past the breakfast menu. Start with a glass of freshly squeezed juice followed by seasonal fruits topped with candied walnuts and creamy yoghurt from the nearby town of Kenilworth. Corn and chive waffles arrive with lashings of capsicum spiced jam, smashed avocado, crispy bacon and roasted tomatoes with a dash of balsamic. With stunning views over Laguna Bay, Bistro C is the perfect spot to linger over a second coffee.
LOCALE
Locale has the brooding good looks of an Italian Romeo and a sultry colour scheme that makes it especially romantic at night when the lights are low. Local produce features heavily on the menu, which offers classic Italian dishes with a modern twist and an impressive array of pizzas and pasta. Service is friendly and as polished as a bright red Ferrari.
Top: Noosa's bustling Hastings St is lined with restaurants and boutiques. Above: Fresh flavours and ocean views make Bistro C a popular spot to refuel. Photos / Tourism and Events Queensland.
NOOSA PICNICS
Stroll along the beach with your lover and surprise them when you “stumble across” beautiful, romantic haven for two that com complete with scatter cushions, a bottle of bubbles and delicious gourmet treats. Noo Picnics sets up everything and removes it you’re finished, so all you have to do is eat relax and hold each other close as the sett sun sparkles on the ocean.
Unwinding NOOSA DREAMBOATS
Exploring Noosa’s waterways in a class 1940s-style speedboat makes you fee movie stars. Start off slow with a rel cruise alongside million-dollar man then hold on to your hat for a thri ride up the river past Makepeace Island. Further ahead the freshwa tidal parklands of the Noosa Biosp Reserve offer a change of pace. D tannin-stained water reflects the beauty of the surrounding bush and silent except for the sound of the wind the trees.
IKATAN SPA
Walking into this Balinese-inspired spa oas instantly relaxing. Native birds fill the air wi their sweet song and freestanding treatme rooms, surrounded by lush tropical garden beckon you inside. Couples can indulge in of Ikatan’s most popular treatments, a sens Balinese Boreh wrap and massage. Traditio spices are used to create a warming body followed by a warm coconut milk cleanse one-hour Balinese massage.
NOOSA NATIONAL PARK
Noosa’s serene surroundings and natural b inspires couples to relax and revel in its se place. Soak up the sun on a secluded beac walk the famous Noosa National Park Coa Track, keeping an eye out for koalas overh and dolphins in the sparkling ocean below Cooling off in the crystal clear waters of Lit Cove or Laguna Bay on the return journey pure bliss.